Topic Tuesday// Suicide: You Can Talk About It// Tuesday 31st October 2023 5:30-7PM AEDT

[amber22]

I'm so sorry that it's been so long for you to experience those thoughts. I can only imagine how hard that would be for you, and I am really glad that you're still here with us in this discussion tonight.

Are there things that help you when you are experiencing those challenging thoughts? @chibam 

[lemlem678]

@Snowie and they don't realise how much we already think about our actions and not wanting to hurt others. Most of us feel like a burden and that it would be better for us to be gone. We know it will cause pain but feel that pain is better than continuing to be a burden day in day out on people.

[amber22]

That's okay that you feel that way, everyone copes with things differently as well. It sounds like you are really empathetic to their family and friends and people that would be impacted by their loss though. I'm sorry that this has happened @Dyna13 ❤️

[chibam]

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@Snowie wrote:

I was just told that I was being selfish, that I should think of how my actions will hurt others.

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Oh yeah. I been there, too. @Snowie .

Although ironically, at other points in my therapy, I was criticized about my dedication towards making others happy and told "What does it matter what other people thing? Do what you want to do!"

So you try to work that one out. I've never been able to.

[TideisTurning]

For @Snowdragon: Why are safety plans important? How might they be helpful? 

For the community: Have you ever had any experiences with safety plans (for yourself or someone else)?  @Dyna13 @lemlem678 @Captain24 @Snowie @chibam @Shaz51 @puzzlingdino 

[Snowie]

@lemlem678 I feel like just a burden too

[Snowdragon]

Safety planning is a brief intervention designed to lower the imminent risk of suicidal behaviour and to develop a hierarchy of coping strategies for people to use when distressed. 

As a therapeutic intervention, safety planning can: 

• Acknowledge both the severity of a person’s distress and that they have existing skills to manage their emotions. 
• Communicate a belief in the person’s ability to cope. 
• Provide an avenue for engaging the person and encouraging them to be actively involved in their care. 
• Help a person build their self-efficacy and acknowledge existing skills 
• Encourage adaptive help-seeking skills. 
• Allow for a discussion of what is important for the person: their interests, important people and enjoyable activities. 

[Captain24]

I have a safety plan and I have updated it a few times. However in the moment it’s too late for me

[amber22]

Safety plans can be really helpful for your carers/ supporters/ mental health professionals/ loved ones to know as well so that they can help you as best as they can with what works for you while you’re feeling suicidal. Specifically on the SANE Forums, it can be helpful for the moderators to know how to best support you in these times too.

[chibam]

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@amber22 wrote:

I'm so sorry that it's been so long for you to experience those thoughts. I can only imagine how hard that would be for you, and I am really glad that you're still here with us in this discussion tonight.

Are there things that help you when you are experiencing those challenging thoughts? @chibam 

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They aren't challenging thoughts, @amber22 ; it's an appalling reality. Preferring death to living like this isn't irrational, or any other sort of brain malfunction.

But to answer your question, no, there is no help. Just a lot of sitting around and watching the clock.